This week's "pinning" theme is Take Me Away, which has me all sorts of wanting to take a vacay! Seriously, though - Dan and I have never been on a vacation together, ever! He deployed right after we got married, then I got preggo and there were kiddos and lots more deployments, which didn't leave a lot of time for this. And even if there was time? Vacations cost money! Money that has to be saved before it's possible. We are, however, hoping (fingers crossed) to make this happen in the next couple of years.
This will be my last "pinning" post, at least for the time being. Between this and all my other weekly posts, I feel like there's hardly any time/space left for just writing (which I want to do more of!). Something had to give and I feel like this is the post I'm least attached to. It doesn't mean I won't be doing other link-ups of this nature (and perhaps even this one) from time to time, it just won't be nearly as often. My plate has gotten significantly more full now that Lola is no longer a baby, and these types of post take up a lot of time. Time I could be spending with my kids or writing about things I'm actually going to want to remember down the road. Feel me?
If you'd still like to keep up with my pins, you can follow me here on Pinterest.
Today I have been doing Weight Watchers for a total of four weeks. This week I lost...
Weight Lost This Week: 0 lbs
Total Weight Loss: -7.4 lbs
Yeah, so I didn't lose any weight this week which is a bummer. I made a bad decision on Friday (that may have involved a pizza buffet - never a good idea) + I only worked out twice this week, so I wasn't exactly shocked by this news. I did, however, hope to at least lose something. Especially since last week's weight loss was so insignificant.
I have to say, after my round with the new Weight Watchers Points Plus program both last fall and now, I'm not really a fan. I felt like their old system, which was based more off calories than carbs, seemed much more effective. And after digging around on the internet, it appears I'm not the only one. For this reason, I'm actually considering some other options. One that is a strong possibility is Sparkpeople. I've heard great things about it and it's free. Plus, there's a group on there for people who were successful with the old Weight Watchers system, but haven't had as much luck with the Points Plus program (called SparkTeam, I believe). Pretty much right up my alley. Also, I'm still not totally opposed to the HCG diet (my stepmom has lost 12 lbs in a week!). I know it doesn't seem totally healthy, but, I could get the pills for free, which is pretty sweet!
Anyway, I'm still weighing my options (literally) - these are just some things I'm thinking about. Before doing anything, I want to discuss this with a doctor and possibly get my thyroid tested, just to make sure it's working as it should be. Unfortunately, it may take a while to get in because military medical care can be a bitch. Until then, since I'm already paid through mid-month, I'll being continuing with Weight Watchers. I mean, even if I'm not seeing huge results, it's still better than nothing, right? I've come to the conclusion that, regardless of which route I choose, it's going to take time. And I'm learning to be okay with that.
If you've had success with Sparkpeople or any other similar diet, please let me know (either in the comments or by email). I'd love to hear what you have to say!
So, it looks like I'm getting sick again, and just in time for the weekend. Sigh. I'm really over all the sickness that's been passed around my home for what feels like forever. Apparently now that Nico's in school, the average number of times he'll be sick this year is like 10-12. This seems like an awful lot. And I never would have thought we'd all get sick every single time, too! Just stop sending you sick kids to school, people!
Alright, I'm done ranting. But seriously, just stop it! Okay, okay...I'm done. Ugh. Anyway, no big plans for the weekend other than to get the kiddos hair cut (which didn't happen last weekend because they were sick) and perhaps a museum of some sort. It seems like this is always the goal (a museum), but then something comes up or we get lazy. I'm hoping we can actually follow through with it this time. Even if my poor sick self has to suck it up and take one for the team, lol.
Here are my favorites from around the internet this week...
1. I love any and everything Wes Anderson touches. I can't wait till this comes out in theaters!
2. Having a hard time getting a decent headshot? Then check out this tutorial.
3. An ice tray filled with different food options for little people? Genius.
4. I am totally gonna start planning my Target trips around their schedule of weekly markdowns. Seriously, how did I not know about this?!
Last Saturday morning we woke up to a surprise: SNOW! Actually, I wouldn't really call it snow, more like ice. But, we were excited nonetheless. We got all bundled up and hightailed it outside! For the whole 10 minutes we could stand the cold, anyway. Here's a quick photo I snapped of each of the littles (p.s. please excuse Lola's scowl, she was feeling under the weather - but isn't her little leopard print jacket cute?).
The other night for dinner, I made Chicken, Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Vindaloo. I know the name may sound a little funny, but, trust me when I say, you're gonna love it! Especially if you're a quinoa fan like myself. It is a little higher on the points side (12 WW points per serving), but it's loaded with healthy ingredients which makes it worth it in my opinion.
I actually found the recipe in the January issue of Family Circle, a magazine my sweet mother-in-law recently sent me a subscription for. To be honest, I had never read FC before now, but it really has a lot of good stuff in it - especially recipes! From what I can tell, you can get this recipe online, but are required to sign up for their free recipe library. For those who'd rather not do this, I thought I'd go ahead and share it with you here. Shall we?
Here's what you'll need/need to do...
Ingredients (serves 4):
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I used breasts)
1/2 tsp salt
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (since I was feeding kids, I cut this portion in half)
1 can (14 1/2 oz) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup mint, coarsely chopped (we skipped this)
2 cups cooked quinoa
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove to a plate.
Add remaining tablespoon of oil, sweet potatoes and onion to skillet and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Add cauliflower and cook 3 minutes. Stir in curry powder, cayenne and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute. Add broth and tomatoes; cook 5 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally.
Add chicken and heat through. Stir in mint (if using) and serve over cooked quinoa.
If you're a vegetarian, but still want to try this? You could easily replace the chicken with tofu.
Today marks my completion of three weeks on Weight Watchers. This week I lost...
Weight Lost This Week: -.8 lbs
Total Weight Loss: -7.4 lbs
So this wasn't my best week, but gosh darn it, I tried! I followed my diet and worked out 3 times, per uge. I'm pretty sure I'm just retaining water cuz it's nearing that time of the month, you know? About to be surfin' the crimson wave? Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it! Besides, at least I didn't gain this week, right?
This coming week, I'll be changing up my workout schedule a bit. It'll still be exercising 3 days a week, but instead of M-W-F while Nico's at preschool, I'll be waking up a little extra early T-Th-Sa. I worked out this past Saturday morning, while the fam was still sleeping, and it was so much easier than trying to do while simultaneously watching Lola. I felt like I got a much better workout, too. Plus, this'll free up the time Nico's in school for important things like Target, lol.
Oh, and I wanted to ask - does anyone have an opinion on the HCG diet? My stepmom and stepsister recently started it and are seeing BIG results. I've read a little about it, but not sure if I'd be able to realistically stick to only 500 calories a day. I mean, is this even healthy? If any of you have any experience with it, I'd love to hear about it!
So this week's "pinning" theme is These Boots Were Made for Walking. When I found this out, I got all kinds of excited (and there may or may not have been a jump kick or two involved). Because right now? I am obsessed with boots. Any and all things boot-related. So much so, that if I had it my way, I'd own all the boots.
Anyhow, I've put together quite the drool-worthy wish list. Wanna see? (Warning: you may want to hide yo credit cards because there are some really good ones!)
I'm so thankful this was a 4-day work week for Dan because the past few days have been dragging. The kids have been sick all week longand I'm not feeling so hot either. I'm looking forward to him being home over the weekend to help. I know, I know...it's a thrilling life we lead, lol.
Okay, onto my faves from around the interweb this week...
1. I must admit, I had never heard of these videos until reading about them here, but now I'm hooked! So funny!
2. Melissa posted a really cool DIY fort kit that I'm just itching to make. The kids would love it!
3. Look how presh this collection of kitchenwares is! I want all of them!!
4. This vegan stew looks delish! I'll definitely be adding it to my list of must-make recipes.
6. I have been obsessing over vintage pyrex for ages. I think it's about time I start a collection of my own!
7. I'm fairly certain everyone could use a little laundry cheat sheet in their life. You know, unless mom's still doing your laundry (in which case, I'm jelly).
8. With this cold weather looming around, I need to try this mitten DIY, like yesterday.
9. I cannot get enough of those Ryan Gosling "Hey Girl" memes! Especially this gem.
10. And because I'm a 16-yr. old at heart, I must include the video for my favorite song (read: Nico's "jam") off the new Blink 182 album. You know you like it.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, Nico has preschool. During this time, Lola and I get some much-needed mommy/daughter time. She's my "little buddy" in every sense of the term. Wherever I am, she is close behind. She's a mama's girl for sure. And I love every single second of it.
Here are some photos of her from last Monday morning...
Midway through our play sesh, she allowed me to put pigtails in her hair, which I, of course, had to snap a photo of. Because, really, is there anything cuter?
(Sidenote: I think somebunny's ready for her first little haircut! We're hoping to do this over the weekend.)
While back home in Texas, we made a special trip out to Denton to see my maternal grandmother, Grandma Claudine. Though I didn't spend a lot of time with her as a child (because I grew up with my dad and she's my mom's mom), we've developed quite a good relationship in the past 10 years or so. She's been there for me more times than I can count. Also, she's incredibly talented in all things craft-related and the best cook I know! She's in her 70's, but acts like more like she's in her 50's (very active, positive and cheerful). I hope to be just like her one day!
Here are some photos from our visit with her...
We sure do love her bunches!
(Sidenote: You see that double chin I'm sporting in these pics? That is pretty much what kicked my big caboose into diet mode! Marks my words, double chin, your days are numbered!)
Today I weighed in for my 2nd week on Weight Watchers. This week I lost...
Weight Lost This Week: -2.6 lbs
Total Weight Loss: -6.6 lbs
Guys? I'm feeling really great about this! Yes, it's not four pounds, but I'll take it. I mean, I've lost almost 7 pounds in just two weeks! At this rate, I should reach my goal in no time!!
This week I continued to stick to my points allowance and worked out three times. For now, until it gets warmer out or I join a gym that has childcare (whichever comes first), I'm getting my work-out in while Nico's in school (M-W-F mornings). No, it's not five days a week, but I'm hoping to build up to this. That's the goal, anyway.
Okay, I'm off to work out (with the kiddo, since he's out of school today). Wish me luck!
P.S. If you have any weigh-loss stories of your own, I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!
Dan has today off, which doesn't happen very often, so I'm gonna keep this short and sweet. This week's "pinning" theme is Baby, It's Cold Outside, which is a pretty accurate description around our parts. Actually, if we're being honest? It's effing freezing outside! So not used to this after spending the last four years in San Diego. Spring needs to get here, like yesterday, but, I digress. The idea this week is to pin things that help survive the cold winter. Shall we?
Here are some winter fashions and accessories I'm loving (even if it may be a wee bit cold for some of them at the moment)...
I can't believe it's already Friday! Is it just me or did this week fly by? Not that I'm complaining because both the hubs and Nico have a 3-day weekend. What, what! We're hoping to venture out to D.C. and visit a museum or two. Now that Lola is pretty much weened (other than her feeding before bed), it's becoming much easier to do day-long activities such as this. What do y'all have planned?
In other news, there were a ton of kick ace posts around the blogosphere this week! Several of which I've included in this week's roundup of favorites.
1. I am loving this version of Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!". (originally found here)
2. I'll most certainly be trying this recipe out. $50 of soap for 5 bucks? Yes, please!
3. How amazing is this teepee Jen made for little Rowan? If only I were this crafty...
4. Being that I'm obsessed with all things arrow-y these days, I'm pretty sure I need these stamps! Cute, right?
5. Not sure how diet-friendly this is with the cream cheese, but holy yum!
6. This post about bra fitting had me giggling from beginning to end!
7. Looking for some fun ways to spend one-on-one time with your little guy? Then check out this list!
8. Since our downstairs is all hardwoods and tile, my feet are always freezing. I'll be ordering a pair of these to rectify this sitch.
I finally got around to making another mixed tape to share with you guys! There's no real theme here. Just some tunes I'm digging at the moment - both old and new. I hope you fancy this as much as I have been the past couple of days.
P.S. I put 2 versions of Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs" on here. Why? Because I can. And, it's just a really great song. Enjoy!!
Also, could you vote for us? All it takes is 2 clicks. :)
So, if you've been using that little green "email" button over on my left sidebar to get in touch with me? Please know that I'm not a total ass who doesn't respond back. The address it's been taking you to has been incorrect. Sorry about that, but it's all fixed now. Feel free to email me as often as you'd like!
While home in Texas, we got to spend quite a bit of time with Dan's family. This year was special because all of his siblings were in town; something that doesn't happen on the reg. In fact, this was my first time meeting his brother, Casey, and his family. It's funny because I've seen pictures of him, but it wasn't until I saw him in person that I realized how much he and Dan truly look alike. In fact, all three brothers look strikingly similar. As one friend put it, they are "very Baldwinesque"! I think this describes them perfectly, but I'll let you be the judge. Here are some photos from our time with them...
Dan & Jason (his brother)
Riley (Dan's nephew)
Lucas (Dan's other nephew)
Dan, Jason and Casey (all 3 brothers)
Dan & his mom
All four siblings and their mom
Kasey (sister-in-law)
Nico and his cousins, Clara and Anna
Dan's mom, Granny and uncle Matt
Amanda (Dan's sister) & her hubby Mike
Okay, that's all I've got fer now! Be back in the next couple days with photos from the third and final part of our visit (which actually includes some photos of me, btw)!
